Community Forums

frank1 · 07-06-2010, 07:57 AM

anyone ever repair a plastic fender skirt,i have a crack on the rear fender at about 12 oclock -how did you do it-what type of plastic is it-and did you do it on the coach.any info would help

Gary RVRoamer · 07-07-2010, 06:41 AM

Year make and model of coach?

It's not "plastic" - it's some type of fiberglass. Use automotive body putty, then grind & sand it smooth and re-paint. But fiorst you need tofigure out why it cracked. If no accident broke it, you may need to add some support behind it to prevent a re-occurrence after you patch it.

frank1 · 07-07-2010, 08:08 AM

it got broke when i had some tires installed. the service guy poped the new tire/rim against the fender .it was cold out -10c so i am thinking it had some thing to do with being hit and cold temperature. and it is cracked all the way through

Chuck 1935 · 07-07-2010, 03:27 PM

If you don't want to have to re finish the fender and all the expense that goes with it, I would JB Weld it from the rear. Make sure you put scotch tape over the front of the crack so that it doesn't leak through to the painted side.(masking tape doesn't seal as tight) There are also other epoxy's out there that are less runny if thats a problem.

denochs · 07-07-2010, 03:55 PM

Have you ask the service guy to repair it? You may be surprised and it doesn't hurt to ask. All he can say is NO!

Dave

paz · 07-07-2010, 06:29 PM

The fender is most lakely made from fiberglass. Auto parts stores sell fiberglass repair kits that consist of polyester resin, hardener and fiberglass cloth or non-woven fiberglass mat. The woven fabric is stronger, and it conforms to curves better, but the mat will also work.

You will have to thoroughly clean the inside surface of the fender and use the resin to adhere several layers of fiberglass to the inside.

After the resin cures, trim any excess that may be protruding beyond the fender outline. Sand the paint from the outside in the vicinity of the crack, and fill the crack with body putty. Sand smooth, apply primer, wet sand, and apply finish coat(s).

Or go to a body shop that specializes in fiberglass repair.

Martind4 · 07-07-2010, 07:25 PM

Are you sure it's made of fiberglass? On our rig the wheel lips are made of ABS plastic. You might clean up a spot on the backside and test with ABS glue. Dab some glue and let it sit awhile to see if it melts into the plastic. If it does, work it into the crack from the back and hold it tight until the glue cures. ABS glue is commonly used for the black pipe in household drain systems and is available at hardware or big box stores (HD, Lowes, etc).

Might be worth a try instead of using fiberglass as a repair.